Model Engine Maker
Supporting => Engine Ancillaries => Topic started by: Barneydog on March 05, 2017, 03:59:21 AM
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Hi,
I have just got my Simplex running gear working on air though it will need some slight adjustment. Now it is running I am going to strip it all down to clean, smooth and fettle all the rods to get them to their final finish. The ends of all the rods and the pins all need case hardening. I am going to nickel plate them all so they are all the same colour and resist rusting. My question is do I case hardening before or after nickel plating. Case hardening requires heating to a high temperature then dropping into case hardening powder. My nickel plating kit involves a degreasing solution then suspending in warm nickel plate solution for a few minutes.
If I plate first will the plating be destroyed by the high temperature of case hardening?
If I case harden first will the plating be effective in the hardened areas?
Any ideas please?
Julian
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Hi Julian,
When case hardening you are trying to get more carbon into the surface of the steel, I am afraid the nickel plating will prevent the carburising. So I would case harden first, then nickel plate.
Thor
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Many thanks. Harden then plate it is.
Julian
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Hi guys,
Simplex now striped and all rods etc all cleaned up. I have case hardened all the bits that needed doing but............Nickel plating does not like the high carbon content so has a mottled finish. Need to either stay with the 'weathers' look or paint them all.
Julian
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Not happy with the nickel finish so borrowed the zinc plating kit from my mate Rich.
Julian
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Pics please. Otherwise my imagination runs wild. ;D
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Took some pics but not on photobucket yet.
Abandoned metal treatments and gone with painting. Primer them all and then sprayed with a spray enamel from Halfwords. Look ok. Will refit after brakes have been made and fitted.
Julian